The Importance Of Tradition In Shirley Jackson's The Lottery

In Jackson’s short story “The Lottery” it is evident that conforming to society and sticking with tradition can lead to outweighing personal morals./be a burden on the lives of people. Although The Lottery was a tradition that has been occurring for years, nobody sticks up to support their morals to challenge The Lottery. Not only does The Lottery limit the rights of many, but many other expectations in their society do too. Tradition becomes evident in this society when the narrator mentions that “the feeling of liberty sat uneasily on most of them.” The townspeople seem to be limited in their basic rights, even those as simple as children living freely in the summer. Once the children began collecting the rocks they were extremely enthusiastic most likely because they did not have much freedom, and this was one piece of freedom that they looked forward to.
Tradition is commonly deemed as enjoyable, and it usually does not involve hesitation or reluctance. When Mr.Summers wants assistance on picking The Lottery “winner” it is mentioned that “....there was a hesitation before two …show more content…
Later on one character says that it "Seems like there's no time at all between lotteries any more,” and another agrees. It becomes clear that this is something all of the characters dread but nobody has spoken up for what they believe in. Their sense of fear demonstrates that they believe they could be target or face consequences for speaking up, and they decide to conform to the tradition and what society is used to. Overall, The Lottery seems to truly become a burden on the lives of people. By drawing away from their personal liberties and causing a sense of fear and anxiety amongst many, it is demonstrated that tradition can trump morals and personal